Computer “hiccups” grounded the Helios Prototype solar-powered wing aircraft, which has seen its scheduled first functional check flight pushed back by more than a month now. Originally penciled in for late May, scheduling that first check flight is now a
Computer “hiccups” grounded the Helios Prototype solar-powered wing aircraft, which has seen its scheduled first functional check flight pushed back by more than a month now.
Originally penciled in for late May, scheduling that first check flight is now a day-to-day decision, though a three-day “t-minus” countdown has yet to begin.
Recorded information at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility indicates a flight date tomorrow, but only if the bugs discovered are totally and satisfactorily worked out, said John Hicks, NASA’s Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology project manager.
And while the delays are frustrating for the flight crew – and could ultimately threaten a planned July attempt for the Helios to ascend to and maintain a world-record altitude of 100,000 feet (nearly 19 miles high) – safety will never be compromised for expediency, Hicks said.
“We won’t fly until we’re absolutely sure that our systems are safe,” he said. “We don’t want to rush anything.”
Range, public and aircraft safety are foremost, Hicks added, even though “the window is closing down on us” for the July ascent attempt. “We’ll take however long it takes.”
The latest problems have been traced to design flaws in the aircraft’s flight termination system, which would deploy a parachute to bring the Helios down gently into the ocean should things go wrong while the craft is in the air, Hicks explained.
Even with dual computerized systems, or repetitive computers performing the same functions in the event one computer goes down, the problem still reared its ugly head during a routine systems test last week.
It is presumed that the flight termination system’s design glitch further caused what Hicks described as a “minor” flight control computer problem.
The first functional check flight had originally been scheduled for late May or early June, then pushed to yesterday before being rescheduled for tomorrow. If it can’t launch tomorrow, the first test flight will likely be pushed back to the week beginning this Sunday, Hicks said.
The quest for the 100,000-foot flight could be pushed into August, but changes in the angle at which the sun would hit the aircraft’s solar panels, and weather changes as winter approaches, make July the optimum month to make the attempt, Hicks said.
The Helios Prototype is a solar-powered, propeller-driven aircraft controlled by pilots on the ground.
Public tours of the huge temporary hangar where the 240-foot-long Helios is stored, in two pieces, have been extremely popular, said Vida Mossman, base spokeswoman. Scheduled for about every Wednesday and Saturday during the craft’s stay on the base, the tours are totally booked, she said.
A recorded message updated daily offers Helios flight information at 335-4027. During launch dates, the public is invited to watch, though no drinking water or public restrooms will be available.
Three or four flights are expected. On flight days, NASA officials will inform local radio stations KUAI (720 AM) and KONG Radio Group (570 AM, 93.5 FM, among others) before 6 a.m. if a flight is scheduled for that day, and the approximate time of takeoff.
Access to PMRF for viewing of the Helios Prototype’s take-off will be allowed. To gain access to the viewing area, proceed to the visitor control office located at the main entrance to PMRF to pick up a pass.
Those attending should dress for warm weather, and bring umbrellas for protection from the sun.
Staff Writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224).
